In a somewhat shocking move on Friday morning, the Carolina Panthers announced the firing of defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero. But the volatile nature of this unit over its last four seasons is what makes the decision just somewhat shocking.
Since piecing together the NFL's fourth-ranked defense in his first year in 2023, Evero has yielded less-than-promising results. Chief among those concerns have been the weak run defense, which has allowed at least 200 yards in nearly 20 percent of Evero's games, and the futile attempts to stop opposing offenses on a third-and-long—an embarrassing trend that became known to fans as "Third and Evero."
(Oh, and his group only relinquished the most points in league history back in 2024.)
So, what lies ahead for
Carolina's defensive coordinator post?
Here are a handful of intriguing candidates for the position in 2027:
Panthers interim DC Todd Wash
Let's start with the guy who's taking over those duties immediately. If Wash can turn this around and help get the Panthers back on track to the postseason, then why not keep him around?
The 58-year-old has served as Carolina's defensive line coach since 2023, so he certainly has experience with the players and his fellow staffers. He's also done this whole defensive coordinator thing before, and to some good results—as he was behind the sixth-, second- and fifth-ranked defenses in Jacksonville from 2016 to 2018.
As a bonus to fans who have been yearning for a move off Evero' 3-4 base, Wash could implement his 4-3 scheme come 2027. But don't expect a change there now, this deep into the current campaign.
Commanders LB coach Ken Norton Jr.
When trying to Pepe Silvia these types of situations, you have to look at connections—and this potential candidate has some deep ones with Panthers general manager Dan Morgan and head coach Dave Canales.
Norton and Canales both worked for the University of Southern California in 2009, then made the jump to Seattle together in 2010. They'd continue to share a sideline when Norton was the linebackers coach through 2014, and then the defensive coordinator from 2018 to 2021.
In addition to his nine years alongside Canales, Norton shared five with Morgan—who served in multiple front office roles for the Seahawks from 2010 to 2017.
Seahawks defensive pass game coordinator Karl Scott
Keeping in Seattle, Scott has the ties and the résumé.
He began his tenure for the Seahawks in 2022, Canales' final season with the organization. Since then, he's helped build one of, if not the NFL's most daunting defense en route to a Super Bowl win this past year.
Scott, 41, took up interviews for Arizona's and Washington's defensive coordinator openings during the offseason.
Buccaneers defensive pass game coordinator George Edwards
Edwards began his time with Tampa as an outside linebackers coach in 2023—Canales' lone campaign there. Canales has also been getting a close look at what the Bucs defense has been able to do to his offense over the past three years.
The Siler City, N.C. native and Duke alum may be able to ignite what's been a very dormant pass rush in Carolina.
Free agent Sean McDermott
This one feels like we're throwing a juicy steak to a pack of starving carnivores. But have it, Carolina faithful.
McDermott had a strong six-year run, from 2011 to 2016, as the Panthers defensive coordinator. He also achieved a fair amount of success as the head coach of the Buffalo Bills from 2017 to 2025.
Although Panthers fans have been dreaming of getting McDermott back since he was let go by Buffalo in January, he seems more likely to take up a head-coaching job elsewhere in 2027.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: 5 potential DC candidates for the Panthers in 2027
